4/28/2014

Electric Avenue - 5k Fundraising with Electric Run London.

After four months of training, last Saturday finally saw Miranda and I tackle the 5k Electric Run for Breast Cancer Care.

The event which took place at Wembley Park was a rave like event filled with LED lights, UV paint and the brightest tutus this side of London. The event was sold as more of an "experience" than a sporting event, with the runners making up part of the lit up landscape. It was meant to feature "lands of light and sound that transport the participant into an electric wonderland" but I felt it failed to deliver on it's fully immersive experience. It was a nice course with a fun atmosphere, but parts of the run failed to have any music and large parts of the track seemed to rely solely on what the participants were wearing and carrying.

4/25/2014

Looking On Up - The Gorgeous Collaboration Between Simply Be and Look Magazine.

What do you get when you cross Britain's biggest-selling fashion weekly with a fashion forward plus size retailer? You get Look Magazine for Simply Be, a gorgeous 13-piece spring / summer collection which encompasses bold prints, stunning shapes and catwalk trends. 

4/24/2014

Blue Skies.

I love living in London, but the last few weeks have been crazy and I could not wait to escape to the countryside to spend the Easter bank holiday with Howard's lovely family.

It was four days of boardgames, good food and countryside walks with a touch of Easter Bunny magic thrown in for good measure.

My fruit bunny made by Howard's niece and nephew.

The personalised Kinder egg I made for Howard. Turns out it's impossible to re-wrap them once open! 

Mount Everest - one of the many, many boardgames played over the four day weekend.
Although I've been visiting Lambourn for almost three years, it was only this weekend where I felt like I'd really explored it. Howard, my lovely sort-of-sister-in-law and I all went for a 5k walk through the local fields, which despite nearly killing me thanks to big hills and hayfever, was very much worth it for the stunning views.



The start of this walk is just minutes away from the Burdett parental home, and it offers breathtaking views and a path of wild flowers to make you feel like you've stumbled into some sort of fairytale.


We were also lucky enough to see two families of ducks and ducklings learning to swim against the current in the river running along the backgarden. There were several cries of "Ducks! Ducks!" over the weekend which led to everyone running outside to see them. Although the first family of ducklings were older, the second one were very much still tiny balls of fluff!

Most importantly, I got to spend lots of time with this handsome face. It currently feels so rare that we're not stuck to cameras or laptops until late in the evening, so it was absolute bliss to just spend time together doing very little. Most mornings began with playing boardgames in pyjamas with his mum at the breakfast table, and that pretty much set the pace for the rest of the day!

That said, no matter how lovely it is to get away, there really is no place like home and it was nice to be back in London.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

4/22/2014

Bow Wow! Pink Bow Wow Prom Dress from Fashionworld.

I've been on the look out for a bright pink dress to wear to an upcoming wedding, and was filled with absolute joy when I saw this cute, pink 50s number from Fashionworld. With a strict colour scheme in place, I was worried about not finding anything I liked but the hourglass shape, cute details and voluptuous tulle netting ticked all the right boxes for me.

Bow Back Prom Dress from Fashionworld.
Dress: Bow Back Prom Dress from Fashionworld.
Tights: Naturally Close by Fashionworld.
Necklace: Hearts by Tatty Devine.
Shoes: Primark
Fascanator: Thrifted.

I was really surprised to find that even with the netting, this dress can be thrown into the washing machine without a second thought and it's currently in the sale for just £60 (down from £75).

Back detail of Bow Back Prom Dress from Fashionworld..
The shape of the dress ensures it nips in nicely at the waist, creating a lovely silhouette with the netted under skirt. It also features a super cute cut-out detail to the back with a pink bow to finish it off. I felt like I was wearing a grown up 50s prom dress, and it's fully lined and made from a stretch woven fabric which meant I could actually move in it with ease. Although I'd normally opt to wear heels with a dress like this, I'm actually going to be photographing the ceremony so will be teaming it with some pink ballet flats.

For now the dress is hanging in my wardrobe, and this wedding cannot come soon enough so I can finally wear it outside. I know that come the summer once the wedding's over, this will probably become one of my staple go-to dresses. It's a shape which I adore in such a perfect sunset filled shade!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

4/17/2014

Fresh As A Daisy - New Look Inspire Daisy Print V-Neck Skater Dress.

I absolutely love daisies. Whether they're in a park, on a necklace or in my hair, as soon as the first signs of Spring have hit, they make me happy whenever I see them. As soon as I saw this daisy print dress from the New Look Inspire collection, I just had to have it so was over the moon when I saw it appear in the sale on the ASOS website.

New Look Inspire Daisy Print V-Neck Skater Dress. (On sale for £12.50 here.)
The dress is perfect for sunshine fun, and is teamed easily with wardrobe staples such as ballet flats and leggings. I'm wearing it here with my favourite leggings from F&F True, flowers from Pearls and Swine and a Space Invader name necklace which Howard had made from Punky Pins.

I think my favourite thing about this dress (bar the print of course) is the v-neck. I'm so used to skater dressed having a round neck, and I found with a larger chest, it had an almost sweetheart style neckline.

I'm heading off to the countryside over Easter, so this will be my last post until I'm back. I hope you have a lovely bank holiday filled with lots of chocolate and bunnies, and will speak with you when I return.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

4/15/2014

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay - Sitting down with Liz McClarnon to talk about her new Fashionworld Swimwear Collaboration.

Image (c) Fashionworld.
Last week I was invited by Fashionworld to sit down and have a chat with their latest collaborator, Liz McClarnon. If you have yet to see their swimwear range, then get ready to fall in love - kitsch prints, retro shapes and clever designs to keep you feeling supported and fabulous.

Liz McClarnon. Image by Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos.
I met Liz and the Fashionworld team in a swish Mayfair hotel where I got my first glance of the new collection. The stunning prints really appealed to my vintage sensibilities with cherries, flamingos and daisies adorning sumptious 50s shapes.


We sat down on the sofa together to have a chat, where I was bursting with questions about the range. Firstly I was really intrigued as to how the collaboration came to be.
Fashionworld is a big thing in my family. Both the younger and older women are all fans, some of them being a size 12, others a 24 or 26. We love the styles so when they approached me, I was like "Oh hello!" I really wanted to take on swimwear - to be honest, on the high street it's the thing I'm most disappointed with. I've been a few sizes in my time and it annoyed me when I had to change my style just because that's all there was on sale.  
I really felt as if it wasn't fair – I wanted a certain thing and felt like there was no one accommodating for me. When I was at a smaller size I felt I was almost expected to where this tiny, tiny bikini which showed off every bit of my flesh other than the rude bits and it just didn't make me comfortable. But then, once I got to a bigger size, it was a case of you have to wear this one piece now. Why? Why do I have to wear that? I have a certain style, a bit 50s and 60s, and I want to wear that all the time so why can't I? There's a massive gap in the marked for a style of swimwear so I said that's what I want to do first, and this is what we came up with.

When I first saw the collection, the immediate thing which came to mind was the beautiful 50s cut of the two-piece sets. The shorts in particular were really evocative of Marilyn Monroe in the 50s, so I wondered if this had been an intentional nod.
My love really is the 50s and 60s but we went more for the 50s as to me, that's when women looked liked women. I like a higher waist on a two piece as it helps to form the figure more and that was a big thing for me. They were still eye catching because of the prints and that is where the attention was drawn from - not because you've got all sorts of parts cut out with lots of flesh showing. I didn't want it to be a bikini which was like “look at me because I'm pretty much naked". I wanted it to be about the style and about the design.

All items in the collection go up to a UK size 32, and I mentioned to Liz that this was a brilliant move.
It's the first time that Fashion World have had a two piece bikini in the top ten best sellers! Though isn't it really annoying that you wouldn't normally see a bikini in a 32 because people assume that you wouldn't want to wear it. Who are you to say that – it really gets on my nerves! 
The gorgeous range of bikinis from the Liz McClarnon Fashionworld collection. Image (c) Fashionworld.
I wanted women to feel more comfortable a two piece, that was a big thing for me. And certainly I think the first step to that was making it available! I have a lot of hangups with swimwear so it was important to get it right. I envisioned a lot of women wearing it as the bikini is the same in every size. We haven't just added panels – they are the same style in every style - what you see is what you get!
The designs really came from personal experience. You know at the end of a holiday where you're in agony because your neck is raw from where your straps have been holding your boobs up? Well to counter that, we went for thicker straps with more support underneath as well as moulded cups to give a shape.I wanted to make sure that everyone felt that they could wear a bikini top whether they were large or small chested. 
The lovely swimdresses from the Liz McClarnon Fashionworld collection. Image (c) Fashionworld.
I was really intrigued to find out what Liz enjoyed most about designing the collection, and also was was next for her and Fashionworld.
What I enjoyed the most? The feedback, because I was really nervous. Really, really nervous. I didn't want people to think that I was assuming I knew what everyone wanted. I'm very nervous about things like that. I wanted people to think that I understood rather than I was telling people what to wear so the feedback was the most important bit. It was definitely the most nail-biting bit for me too. When everyone went “love it, done, love it” I was like “Oh my god, oh my god” and it gave me so much confidence and we just forged ahead.
As for what's next, we have more swimwear, lounge wear and then lingerie*. We've got some beautiful things coming up – they've still got prints on them but they're more subtle with panelling to give you smooth sides. The swimwear and lingerie again are very 50s inspired, but the lounge wear, obviously not. But I live in tracksuits, so that's why we went for that!

* I asked if the lingerie would come in larger cup sizes, and although the final sizes hadn't been confirmed, they will definitely go as far as a G cup with the potential to go to an L.

Bandeau swimsuits from the Liz McClarnon Fashionworld collection. Image (c) Fashionworld.
Wrapping up the interview, I wanted to know who Liz's style icon was.
Marilyn is a big one for me, Marilyn Monroe. Not even just for this project in particular, I just love her anyway. She's a big inspiration with underwear and stuff as to me, she's the sexiest woman going! Who else would I say? I don't think there's anyone else apart from her to me.

Kaftans from the Liz McClarnon Fashionworld collection. Image (c) Fashionworld.
My final question was about what Liz's favourite piece from the collection was, and it was no surprise that she found it hard to choose just one.
My favourite costume is the cherry print, my favourite two piece is the daisy and then in the swimdress, it's the flamingo.

My favourite is definitely the Flamingo Swimdress as the shape is so lovely and the print is just so deliciously kitsch. 

You can view the entire collection by clicking here and fall in love with your perfect Summer beachwear.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

4/11/2014

Running Up That Hill - Brilliant Sportswear from F&F Actice.


With a little over two weeks until I run 5k for Breast Cancer Care, my running gear is falling to pieces from making it endure so much horror! My trainers split during my last run, and I came home with soaking wet, muddy feet which was not very pleasant.

The wonderful people at F&F stepped in and came to my rescue, being kind enough to send me some trainers and leggings which have really helped me out! Clothing to work out in is never going to make you feel like you're walking a red carpet, but their range is still very stylish and fun and made me feel pulled in and supported in all the right places.


F&F Active Colour Block Leggings (£9) and F&F Active Leopard Mesh Trainers (£15).

The F&F Active Colour Block Leggings (£9) are great, as they have a slightly high waist so made me feel pulled in and comfy when running. They are so soft against my legs which is a must to avoid chaffing skin, and the cotton blend with a hint of elastane ensures the perfect fit with a touch of stretch.They are a dark navy blue with a pink colour block band on the waistline and a matching stripe running along the side seams.

The F&F Active Leopard Mesh Trainers (£15) are super cute and are a huge nod towards my love of rockabilly and 50s fashion. The breathable mesh at the toe and sides has a subtle leopard print design and the shape of the trainer offers comfort and support, with a supportive tread. The mostly black design is offset with a neon pink trim, and they feel lightweight when running making them perfect for being on grass.

I feel so grateful to F&F for helping me and supporting me with this run, and if you feel like you'd like to donate some spare change towards the Breast Cancer Care charity, you can do so here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

4/09/2014

Double Flash

Things are a bit hectic at the moment! Between training for the 5k, catching up on my editing pile and answering some questions for a few magazines, I've barely had time to breath let alone wear anything more exciting than my pyjamas! I do have a few brand new outfit posts coming up, but for now, re-doing my website has inspired me to do a round up of some of my favourite images from the archive. So here it is!

(Before you continue, some of the images towards the end may be a little NSFW.)

Plus size supermodel Felicity Hayward shot for Plus Size Tall.

Al Pillay backstage getting prepared to play the role of Dorothy Squires.

Jasmine Alexander for India's Adorn Magazine.

Christina Novelli for Diva Magazine. Make-up by Sarah Frasca.

Part of my Vintage Queer editorial for Diva Magazine.

Portrait from my Everyone Says Hi Exhibition.

Portrait from my Everyone Says Hi Exhibition.

Portrait from my Everyone Says Hi Exhibition.

Out-take from my Everyone Says Hi Exhibition.

Image shot for Alex Hardy at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed. Full Credits here.

Image shot for Alex Hardy at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed. Full Credits here.

Promo shot for The New Cut Gang.

Amazing jewellery designer, Jasmine Alexander.

Betty Hobcraft wearing B Millinery.

Debbie Smith for Diva Magazine.

Promo shot for The New Cut Gang.

Hair by Adam Furczyk at Rush Hair.

Bettie Wishes from my Everyone Says Hi Exhibition.

Al Pillay backstage getting prepared to play the role of Dorothy Squires.

Image shot for Alex Hardy at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed. Modelled by Dani Race.

Image shot for Asta Gudiene at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed.

Behind Room 8 with Luna DeLovely.

Behind Room 8 with Luna DeLovely.

Image shot for Asta Gudiene at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed.

Behind Room 8 with Luna DeLovely.

Image shot for Asta Gudiene at Rush Hair. Make-up by Coco Syed. Modelled by ‎Clare Tsangari.

Behind Room 8 with Luna DeLovely.

L'Officiel Paris with Jasmine Alexander.

L'Officiel Paris with Jasmine Alexander.

Volup2 Magazine with LunaDeLovely.

Volup2 Magazine with LunaDeLovely.

The Nude Issue for Volup2 - Uncensored images can be found here.

The Nude Issue for Volup2 - Uncensored images can be found here.

The Nude Issue for Volup2 - Uncensored images can be found here.
It's really fun going through all of my old images, and really interesting seeing how my style has changed, even as recent as a year ago.The new website should hopefully be up and running within the next two weeks, and I really cannot wait!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

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